By Vanessa Matthews-Jackson
I am so devastated by Stephanie Hooker’s death last week. Words cannot express my sadness and pain for losing Stephanie. I would like to say a few things about her impact on my life.
Stephanie Hooker was a great friend to me. I met her five years ago when I started working at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless as a social work (MSW) intern for the Speakers Bureau, a group organized by Hannah Willage. I had to conduct one-on-one with all the leaders who speak to the public through the Speakers Bureau.
I interviewed Stephanie at her apartment at Deborah’s Place. She told me her story of being homeless and how she become a part of the Speakers Bureau of CCH. What moved me was when she told me she had a meeting with Governor Quinn asking that Illinois include affordable housing for the first time in the state’s capital budget.
“I told Governor Quinn we need $100 million dollars for affordable housing. Not only did Governor Quinn give us the money, he put $134 million dollars for housing in the budget,” Stephanie said, and laughed.
Stephanie had an an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. Over the years, Stephanie and I continued our journey of going out together doing Speakers Bureau events together and we became very close.
Stephanie and I did a Speakers Bureau event together for the past four years at Elmhurst College. What was unique about this event is that it starts at 10 p.m. at night, for one hour. I would pick up Stephanie and Jose Vasquez early so we would have a light dinner before heading to the college. This may seem late at night for some, but not for us. The students at Elmhurst was always so moved by Stephanie and Jose’s stories that we would stay afterwards for at least a half hour before we headed back home.
Stephanie and I joined the CCH Board of Directors in 2011. She was a beautiful, dedicated, loving friend, mother and leader. She has had a powerful impact on my life. We will continue carrying Stephanie’s powerful message and story as we continue our work at the Speakers Bureau. I love Stephanie so much and I will miss her dearly!
CCH leaders and staff will host a memorial for Stephanie on Monday, March 24. The 4 p.m. gathering will be in the third floor meeting room at our office building, 70 E. Lake Street.